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Sinn Féin urge BBC to enhance GAA coverage

Sinn Féin is urging the BBC to explore what steps it can take to ensure
it provides enhanced coverage of GAA fixtures, particularly the latter
stages of the All-Ireland Championship.

The party’s Culture, Arts and Sport spokesperson Sinead Ennis MLA is seeking a
meeting with the Head of Sport at Broadcasting House to discuss what
can be done to improve the availability of GAA coverage.

The South Down MLA said: “I have written to the BBC seeking discussions
on this issue because it remains a source of huge frustration that the
extent of BBC coverage does not reflect the popularity of the GAA.

“In particular the latter stages of the Championship, including the
All-Ireland final which is beamed to millions around the world, are not
broadcast by the BBC here.

“I believe that is a huge disservice to the many Gaels and sporting fans
who want to see such showpieces on terrestrial television.

“And while we understand there are restrictions caused by the
broadcasting deal with RTE and Sky TV, many people in the North do not
have access to either of these stations, so more must be done to explore
the options around live and deferred coverage and highlights
programmes.

“I will be asking the BBC to exhaust all these options and, if necessary
seek new talks with RTE and Sky, because Gaelic games deserve the
profile which their popularity merits and the local viewing public
deserve access to adequate GAA coverage.”